Outdoor adventure and Western history in Southwest Wyoming

In the cities of Green River and Rock Springs, and surrounding Sweetwater County, you can go off the grid and explore the road less traveled. Here, the American West is not history – it’s alive in the grooves of still-visible pioneer trails, abandoned mines and herds of wild horses. The stories of the Shoshone Native Americans are recorded in the petroglyphs of White Mountain, and cowboy culture thrives in one of the world’s largest rodeos. Explore a landscape of prehistoric fossils, sand dunes, ancient rock formations, rugged trails and carefully preserved public lands.

Limitless Outdoors

On land and water, outdoor activities are a way of life in Sweetwater County. Singletracks.com voted the Wilkins Peak Trail System their top pick for mountain biking in the entire state. The trails are well-maintained with options suitable for all skill levels. On the border between Wyoming and Utah, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area hosts a bounty of activity: biking, off-roading, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, winter sports and all types of water recreation on Wyoming’s largest reservoir. Killpecker Sand Dunes, the second-largest active sand dune field in the world, is a magnet for ATV enthusiasts, but you can also hike, ski or sled down the dunes. Killpecker’s unique topography also features unusual rock formations such as Boar’s Tusk, a 120-meter-tall remnant of an extinct volcano. Visit between April and October to enjoy sublime weather.

Animal Encounters

Sweetwater County is famous for the local population of wild horses – approximately 1,500 in all. Follow the 38.6-kilometer Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, a self-guided tour through the horses’ prime terrain. You’re also likely to get photos of antelope, desert elk, deer, hawks and eagles. Stand in one place long enough at the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge and you’re bound to see otter, eagles, elk, deer, sage grouse or moose. See animals in action at one of the many rodeo events throughout the year including the National High School Rodeo Association finals in July. It’s one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world with heart-pounding events such as roping, barrel racing, bull riding and steer wrestling.

Check out the old mining equipment at Reliance Tipple, see a gold mine and pioneer-era structures at nearby South Pass State Historic Site and plan a detour to view the real tracks of the Oregon Trail, Pony Express Route, the notorious Outlaw Trail and others – Sweetwater County has more still-visible pioneer tracks than any other place in the USA. Back in Green River, Expedition Island was the launching point for two important explorations in 1869 and 1871. Today, it’s popular for kayaking, bicycling, tubing, and its playgrounds and special events.

Fun Fact

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The 1,500 wild horses in Pilot Butte are descended from horses reintroduced to the area by cattle ranchers in the early 1800s.

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Do you hear what I hear? Killpecker Sand Dunes is one of the few “singing” sand dunes in the world. The mysterious sound is caused by the shifting and sliding sands.

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Sweetwater County is home to the most kilometers of still-visible pioneer trails in the USA.